If you share a space with roommates or family, there's a good chance a pair of good headphones can come in handy. When co-habitating headphones are useful at keeping the peace when one person wants to watch TV or play games, while the other wants to get some rest. Here are a few tips when you want to upgrade from a big box, big brand model to higher quality specialty headphones

1. Price: Unlike hi-fi speakers, you'll discover upper tier headphones are a more affordable purchase. Sure, if you've got money to burn, you can spend $5,000+, but most pro-model headphones will cost you between $250 up to $1,500.

3. Choosing the Right One: When it comes to high-end headphones, a determining factor for purchasing is intended use. Are you going to mainly watch movies or listen to music? If you are going to listen to music, what kind? Classical or electronic? Headphones are often engineered and optimized for a certain listening experience. I discovered once I began listening to music with headphones, I found it difficult to go back, especially when compared to standard computer speakers. I personally use Sennheiser HD800's, just beating out the Grado PS1000.

4. Headphone Amp: Hi-fi headphones perform best when partnered with a headphone amp. Without one, you'll find that most of the time the source volume might be too low. That's where headphone amps come in. You can find some starting at $200 going up to $3,000 and more, depending on features/power.

5. Going Mobile: Unless you purchase something like the V-Moda VAMP Analog Converter/Headphone Amp Case for iPhone, it's probably best to leave your high-priced headphones at home. They can be easily damaged and are ideally suited for home-use. Consider purchasing cheaper travel models, which won't make you shed a tear if stolen, lost, or damaged.